Robshaw relishing Six Nations

Chris Robshaw wants to see England kick on from the promising displays in the Autumn Internationals

Chris Robshaw is looking forward to once again leading England in the RBS 6 Nations after being reappointed captain by head coach Stuart Lancaster.

Robshaw has been one of England's most consistent players in the Lancaster era and the Harlequins openside was the overwhelming favourite to skipper the national side as they look for their first Championship crown in three years.

They will do so on the back of a promising campaign in last autumn's QBE Internationals at Twickenham, where they beat Australia and Argentina before narrowly losing to world champions New Zealand.

England open their Six Nations campaign with a tricky clash in France and Robshaw, who expressed his gratitude to Lancaster, is relishing the tests ahead.

"Stuart rang me on Thursday and, as with every time he has asked me, it's a great privilege," Robshaw said.

"To lead your country is a massive honour, but I'm fortunate to have a group of players and leaders who support me in that.

"We want to kick on from the autumn internationals and we can't wait for the challenge ahead, starting with a tough away match against France."

Lancaster prefers to delay unveiling his captain until as late as possible, mindful of the potential for injury and to breed competition.

His decision to install Robshaw over two weeks before the Six Nations starts is evidence of the 27-year-old's growing authority in the position.

"Chris is in the team on merit as a player first and foremost, but has also shown himself to be an outstanding leader for Harlequins and England," Lancaster said.

"He led us well during the autumn and I have no doubt that, as he goes into his third Six Nations as captain, he will do likewise."

Robshaw is among a 35-man squad that will assemble at England's Surrey training base next Monday ahead of the Six Nations campaign.

The squad includes a number of exciting young players, headlined by Bath backs George Ford and Anthony Watson, Northampton centre Luther Burrell, Exeter wing Jack Nowell and Sale Sharks prop Henry Thomas.

Three injured players - Northampton back Ben Foden, Saints prop Alex Corbisiero and London Irish wing Marland Yarde - will also attend the training camp for assessment and treatment by England's medical team as part of their ongoing recovery.

After facing France, England then travel to meet Scotland seven days later, followed by Twickenham appointments with Ireland and Wales before ending the Six Nations away to Italy on March 15.